The Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh, One of India’s Most Beautiful States
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Planning a trip to India? Check out this guide to some of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, one of the most beautiful states in India!
This post was written by Dev, a full-time Indian travel blogger who blogs at Footloose Dev.
Back in the days, before British Raj, Himachal Pradesh was a popular destination among Pilgrims. Naina Devi in Bilaspur, Mata Vaishno Maha Devi Tirth Temple, Kullu, and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara are some of the popular pilgrimage destinations, among many others.
Then, during British Raj, the state established a chain of hill stations and promoted itself as a recreation destination. Himachal Tourism received a further boost in 1894 when the British declared Shimla as “The Summer Capital of India”. Since then, Shimla has always been one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Today, Himachal Pradesh receives more domestic and international tourists than any other state in India. It is moreover one of the first Indian states that developed tourism.
Visiting the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh is every traveler’s dream. The range of things to do here can satisfy any kind of traveler. From adventure activities to spiritual destinations to nature and wildlife, Himachal Pradesh has something for everyone.
Since there is so much to see and do here, it is often hard to plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh. In this travel guide, I am going to take you through some of the top things to do in Himachal Pradesh so you can pick and choose to make your trip perfect.
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
Top 5 Destinations In Himachal Pradesh
Before I start with the topic in hand, let me tell you that you need to follow strict Himachal Pradesh COVID travel rules if you are planning a trip during COVID-19 times. As per the rules, you need to apply for a tourist ePass and carry a negative COVID test result no older than 96 hours.
Now, let’s start with the list of top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh:
Manali
The backpacking capital of India (with over 50 backpacking hostels in Manali) and a popular hippie town, Manali is not just one of the popular hill-stations in Himachal but the entire Indian Himalaya, with tourists thronging to Manali in summer as well as winter.
Manali suits the needs of every kind of traveler. A family looking for some quality time, a couple looking for a romantic hideout, solo travelers for some solitude, or a group of friends seeking fun and adventure can all have a wonderful time in Manali.
Sadly, the heavy influx of tourists, particularly the weekenders for Delhi to Manali, has led to the exploitation of Manali in recent times. Nevertheless, it is one of those places that should definitely be on your bucket list.
Some of the must-see places in and around Manali are Manu Temple, Naggar Castle, Rohtang Pass, Old Manali Market, and Solang Valley. Top things to do in Manali include trekking, skiing, river rafting, Zorbing, and rock climbing.
- Where to Stay in Manali: Being the Backpacking Capital of India, staying in a hostel is a no-brainer when visiting Manali. There are tons to choose from, but The Culture Nation Hostel is rated as one of the best. Prefer a hotel? The Orchard Greens Resort & Spa is a luxurious property with affordable rates.
READ MORE: Incredible Hostels in Asia and the Middle East – Including India!
Dharamshala
Known to be a spiritual hub as it houses the Tibetan leader and the spiritual guru the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is another place worthy of a vacation in Himachal Pradesh.
A vacation in Dharamshala is all about colorful Tibetan flags, rolling prayer wheels, and the collective sound of the prayer bells.
A majority of people who come here come to visit Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture. Built in a traditional Tibetan style, the institute is set in a lovely garden of meandering paths, ponds, and flowing streams.
Other places to visit in Dharamshala are Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsunag Temple, Namgyal Monastery, Naddi Village, Bhagsunag Waterfalls , Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, State Art Museum, and Kareri Dal Lake.
- Where to Stay in Dharamshala: Zostel Mcleod Ganj is a beautiful hostel located in an area of Dharamshala known as “Little Lhasa” because of its Tibetan influence and population. Hotel Holiday Hill is a modern, affordable hotel within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.
Spiti Valley
A cold desert mountain valley located in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh, bordering Tibet on one side and India’s Lahaul Valley on the other, Spiti Valley offers a very different landscape. It is home to India’s some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, with a majority of people living here being Tibetan migrants. In two words, you can call Spiti Valley India’s own “Little Tibet”.
What else defines Spiti Valley, other than vibrant Tibetan monasteries, are the picturesque hamlets, snow-laden mountains, plush forests, and marvelous lakes. It is also home to the famous Himalayan Snow Leopard.
But where Spiti Valley promises unparalleled beauty and a very non-Indian-like experience, traveling to Spiti is not for the weak-hearted The average elevation of the entire valley is 4270 meters, ensuring terrains, and harsh weather. It faces extreme weather conditions, with many risky high passes to conquer to reach the valley. Expect only basic facilities on the way as well as in the hotels you stay in.
In most places in Spiti Valley, accommodation options will be limited to monasteries and homestays only.
Shimla
You compile a list of best places to travel to in Himachal Pradesh and not mention Shimla? Not possible!
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla came into the limelight during the British Raj, when they decided to make it their summer capital and gave what Shimla is known for today – a British appearance. The British arrived in Shimla in the early 1800s. In 1864, they declared it as their summer capital. They loved it so much that they even took all the hassle of building a railroad to Shimla.
Today, Shimla is a popular tourist destination. The town is located at 2,276 meters elevation (7,467 ft) and is fondly called as the “queen of the hills”.
What makes Shimla a popular destination is the fact that it has something for everyone. From honeymooners to adventure seekers to families, Shimla serves as a charming retreat for everyone. The enchanting beauty of this hill station has attracted countless filmmakers and cinematographers too who come here seeking a colonial-era charm through its spectacular historical churches and institutes, like Christ Church, the Old Post Office, and many more.
- Where to Stay in Shimla: If you want to splurge on an extravagant hotel while visiting Shimla, book a stay at The Oberoi Cecil. This 5-star hotel is one of the most luxurious in Himachal Pradesh, and rates are comparable to those at mid-range hotels in other major cities around the world.
Chanshal Valley
Home to Shimla District’s highest peak and the highest drivable pass, Chanshal Valley is among some of the most offbeat places in Himachal.
Not many people visit the Chanshal Valley, and those who do tend to be travel enthusiasts. A trip to Chanshal Pass will make you drive on some of the narrowest and steepest road networks in the world.
At 3700 meters above the sea level, Chanshal Pass is just high as some of the popular high passes in Himachal including Rohtang Pass (3900 meters above sea level), yet when you come here you can hardly believe how such a place managed to remain off the tourist radar.
Chanshal is the gateway to Dodra Kwar, that takes you to Rupin Pass, before connecting the route to Spiti Valley and Tibet.
When is the best time to travel to Himachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is the early (Indian) summer (i.e. March or April) when the word “pleasant” is the right adjective to describe the weather. The only downside to that “best time” is that the popular tourist destinations mentioned above in addition to other places in Himachal Pradesh like Kasauli and Chail are filled with tourists, both domestic and international.
In the colder months of November to February, the chill in the air can really take your breath away. This is a good time to explore snow-clad mountains and enjoy snowfall, but given the extreme weather conditions, it often becomes too hard for most people to enjoy.
There’s another season that is also worth a visit: the monsoon months of June to September. This is when tourism is subdued but nature, especially the forest, thrives. However, landslides and blockages can occur due to the heavy rains.
Overall, if you ask me, the months of March and April remain the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.
Have you visited the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh? Which destination was your favorite?
About the Author: I am Dev, and I’ve been traveling since 2016. I started my corporate career as a documentary film-maker in England before I quit my job, moved to India, and became a full-time Indian travel blogger. 25+ Countries. 50+ Brand Partnerships. And the adventure continues…
Other than my blog, I can be found on Instagram and YouTube.
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